I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov July 21, 2025

"I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series" (1965-1970) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films. The supplemental features on the release include archival audio commentary by Barbara Eden, Larry Hagman, and Bill Daily; colorized versions of all Season One episodes; archival featurette; the made-for-TV film "I Dream of Jeannie... Fifteen Years Later"; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for each episode. Region-Free.

It is not just fair but necessary to link I Dream of Jeannie to Bewitched because they come from the same period and target the same audience with virtually identical material. The genie and the witch even look like sisters -- they are both blondes with wonderful figures and radiant smiles who could have stepped out of a fashion magazine. The magic tricks they use to impress the men they have fallen in love with are indistinguishable, too.

However, while it is equally easy to like (or dislike) them, I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched produce different social commentary that manipulates their comedy in unique ways. The social commentary also forces the audience to place the magic tricks in different contexts, which is when the most effective manipulation occurs. For example, in I Dream of Jeannie, the genie is committed to ‘serving’ her man, in any way possible, and his satisfaction with her ‘performance’ is what makes her happy. In Bewitched, the witch pursues a very different relationship. She wants to be a ‘normal’ housewife and mother, an equal partner in a ‘normal’ relationship, where her magic tricks are supportive of the parity. In other words, even though I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched work with identical material in which two beautiful women from another reality begin relationships with mortal men, there are different layers of funny in it, targeting different things.

The other crucial difference is the presence of Barbara Eden and Elizabeth Montgomery before the camera. It is similar, yet very different. They both look stunning. However, Eden is a relentless charmer, using every good opportunity to convince that happiness is a state of mind. Montgomery, often while arguing with her mother, also a witch, has a much more pragmatic take on happiness. It is why she is frequently engaged in activities meant to secure the latest, most sensible version of it that is right for her and her man. It is also why she rarely appears as innocent as Eden. (It is important to underscore that Eden’s innocence is not synonymous with cluelessness. In various episodes, she reveals proper awareness of the different games the two sexes play. However, her unparalleled, at times childish loyalty overshadows everything else, occasionally even logic, which is what makes her appear innocent).

The quality of the writing is what typically draws the most obvious line between fans of I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched and, admittedly, for several valid reasons. For example, Eden’s ideal man, Larry Hagman, never truly outgrows the boyish astronaut who releases the genie from the bottle. Indeed, even when he is abducted by Chinese spies and ordered to deliver top secret documents to the Pentagon, he is unable to act as a rational adult. Hagman’s best friend, also a military man, routinely behaves like a genuine dummy, too. Unsurprisingly, there is a lot of material that rehashes similar awkward situations, producing very similar laughs. (Montgomery’s mother is sharp as a tack and frequently right in the middle of very witty, very funny situations). Also, it is virtually impossible not to guess correctly the resolution of each episode. While it is true that the laughs are more important than the twists, Montgomery’s antics are consistently part of surprising developments, many of which temporarily bend the character arcs quite well.

Imprint Films’ box set gathers all 139 episodes of I Dream of Jeannie, remastered by Sony Pictures. All episodes of Season One can be viewed in black-and-white, as shot, as well as in color. The colorized versions are sourced from standard definition masters.

I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.34:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films.

Imprint Films' box set gathers all 139 episodes of the classic TV show, remastered by Sony Pictures. All episodes of Season One can be viewed in black-and-white, as shot, as well as in color. The colorized versions are sourced from standard definition masters.

The quality of each episode varies, but not by a lot. A few of the earlier episodes reveal small density fluctuations during the opening credits, but this is to be expected. I would describe delineation, clarity, and depth as very good, though grain exposure can be better in some areas. There are no traces of any problematic digital corrections. Color reproduction and balance are convincing. However, this is one area where some small yet meaningful improvements can be introduced. Also, the dynamic range of the visuals can be a little bit better. The black-and-white episodes of Season One reveal some of the most obvious inconsistencies, but even they are easy to describe as small and are never distracting. Image stability is very good. Occasionally, small blemishes can be spotted, but there are no large cuts, debris, warped or torn frames to report. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this release: English LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for each episode.

The lossless audio is excellent. Indeed, not only are all exchanges crystal clear and very easy to follow, but the music routinely produces wonderful contrasts, some of which are likely to surprise a few viewers. I fully expected the lossless audio to be this solid because even very old masters that emerge from Sony's vaults usually have such impressive tracks. I Dream of Jeannie... Fifteen Years Later is presented with a lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 track and does not have optional English SDH subtitles.

I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

NOTE: Only the discs specified below have bonus features.

SEASON ONE - DISC ONE

• Commentary - this archival audio commentary was recorded by Barbara Eden, Larry Hagman, and Bill Daily.

• Colorized Version - presented here are colorized versions of all episodes of Season One.

SEASON ONE - DISC SIX

• Out of the Bottle - this archival featurette gathers the recollections of several people that made I Dream of Jeannie, including Barbara Eden. In English, not subtitled. (15 min).

SEASON FIVE - DISC FOUR

• I Dream of Jeannie... Fifteen Years Later (1985) - presented here is William Asher's made-for-TV comedy, starring Barbara Eden, Bill Daily, Mackenzie Astin, and Wayne Rogers. Dolby Digital 2.0. 1080p. In English, not subtitled. (95 min).

• Break Bumper - presented here is an original break bumber. Music only. (5 sec).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• Book - a 300-page hardcover illustrated book, featuring original story information for every episode of I Dream of Jeannie.

I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Barbara Eden's beauty and irresistible charm are frequently the biggest attraction in I Dream of Jeannie, which many rightfully consider to be the main competitor of Bewitched. Both shows have many loyal fans, and some of them love to argue about what their strengths and weaknesses may be, which is fine, but to be honest, I think they are enjoyable for many similar reasons. They just tend to package many of their laughs differently. Australian label Imprint Films has gathered all 139 episodes of I Dream of Jeannie, remastered by Sony Pictures, together with the surprisingly good teleplay I Dream of Jeannie... Fifteen Years Later.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.